September 24, 2004

SENATOR COLLINS ADDRESSES 2006 NAVAL BUDGET

Washington, DC – Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee sent a letter to Navy Secretary Gordon England expressing concern over the proposed Fiscal Year 2006 shipbuilding budget.

Senator Collins is troubled by reports that the Navy's FY 2006 shipbuilding proposal would dramatically reduce the funding for naval shipbuilding. In particular, the Senator is concerned about the impact this proposal will have on the construction of the DD(X) destroyer. Reports indicate that these cuts would delay the funding for the first two DD(X) destroyers and that the total procurement of DD(X) destroyers in the FY06-09 period would be reduced.

"The effectiveness of our Navy relies upon the continued enhancement of the fleet's strength and size," Senator Collins said. "I am concerned about reports that the Navy has prepared a budget a budget proposal that would erode our current fleet force structure. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will continue to work with Secretary England to preserve our critical naval shipbuilding industrial base."

In an effort to address the FY06 surface combatant procurement gap and its implications, Senator Collins successfully secured $84.4 million for accelerated design and procurement activities in FY05 toward construction of a second DD(X).

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